Film Score Fest

09/24/2026

Filmmakers and composers: create something new with Film Score Fest. Have a film idea you’ve been waiting to bring to life? Film Score Fest pairs filmmakers and composers to create original short films and scores, brought to life by a live orchestra in Saint Paul.

Applications are now open for Film Score Fest St. Paul 2027! Calling all Minnesota filmmakers, animators, composers, musicians, and music-makers to participate. Participation is free, and artists of all experience levels are welcome.

Film Score Fest is also offering six $500 BIPOC Creator Scholarships — three for filmmakers and three for composers. Scholarship applications are open now as well.

📅 Application deadline: October 30, 2026
🎥 Festival: May 1, 2027
📍 History Theatre, Saint Paul, MN
Learn more & apply at filmscorefest.org

Thanks so much to Jeffry Newcomer for this video!

09/20/2026

We had a great crew at the kickoff today! We especially had lots of talented composers looking for filmmakers to work with on this year’s short film challenge (the theme is “Future”). If you or a friend makes videos, check out filmscorefest.org and sign up (for free!) between now and October 30th. We’re also once again offering six $500 scholarships for BIPOC creators - apply on our site!

09/18/2026

Lots of local films to celebrate at Twin Cities Film Fest (a promotional sponsor of Film Score Fest for a decade now!)

They always show an incredible number of MN-connected films. Check out this year’s lineup!

🎬 The TCFF 2026 lineup has officially dropped!

Browse all the films, discover your favorites, and start building your must-see list. Tickets go on sale September 25!

Explore the lineup: https://twincitiesfilmfest.org/tcff-2026/

09/17/2026

Come find out how you can participate in Minnesota’s premiere filmmaking & composing challenge! Meet other friendly creators through speed networking, then signups will open in person and online for participating in Film Score Fest St. Paul and the Film Score Fest BIPOC Creator Scholarship. The top 24 films will be screened with a LIVE ORCHESTRA on May 1, 2027!

Kickoff Event 9/20
2-4pm at Saint Paul Neighborhood Network.

See you there!

09/15/2026

Speed networking, snacks, signups open to participate, and secrets revealed (aka this year’s theme and featured instrument) this coming Sunday 2-4pm @ SPNN for the Film Score Fest St. Paul Kickoff event! These are some photos of our lovely crowd of filmmakers and composers at last year’s kickoff. Hope to see you this Sunday!

05/30/2026

Film Score Fest livestream starts 7pm, May 31 on YouTube. Thanks to Jason Reschka and Mountain Coast Adventure for setting up the livestream and videography for this year's festival!

https://youtube.com/live/6KPdb1T5BnQ?feature=share

05/14/2026

First rehearsal with the Film Score Fest orchestra was a smashing success! We can't wait for you to see these incredible musicians bring new scores to life!

Score by Chase Matthews, for " Boblin and the Wheel of Goblin" by Jack Mirfield

04/19/2026

We're excited to announce the finalists for Film Score Fest 2026!

Filmscorefest.org

Join us May 31 at Denver's Oriental Theater to see 16 new short films with original scores performed live by the Film Score Fest orchestra and guest musicians.

03/29/2026

Reminder - FSF 2026 films and scores are due today! We're so excited to see and hear what you've been creating! Filmscorefest.org

02/10/2026

Can't wait to see you at Film Score Fest Denver 2026! Tickets are now available at theorientaltheater.com